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Members carry out a similar governance role to that of shareholders in other companies, holding the board of directors to account, but do not receive either dividends or payment.

There are currently 65 members performing this role at the company, with a variety of skills, experience and interest in the company’s work, which supports their important governance role.

Sir Paul, who also chaired the Commission on Devolution in Wales between 2011-14, will succeed Glyn Mathias.

Mr Mathias – former political editor at ITN and BBC Wales, as well as the former Electoral Commissioner for Wales and chair of broadcasting regulator Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Wales – is retiring after five years in the post.

Born in Crickhowell, where he still lives, Sir Paul was educated at Christ College Brecon and then Oxford and Princeton universities. He spent most of his professional career as a clerk in the House of Commons, before becoming Clerk to the National Assembly between 2001-07. He returned to the House of Commons as director of strategic projects between 2010-17.

He was appointed by the UK Government to chair the Commission on Devolution in Wales, and currently works with several parliaments abroad on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Global Partners Governance.

In 2015, he was made a Knight Commander of the Bath in the New Year Honours and was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in 2017.

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Sir Paul said: “I am delighted to be appointed to chair the Membership Selection Panel and look forward to working with varied and talented members from across the areas we serve.

“Welsh Water’s unique operating model means that the independent members play a crucial role in ensuring the company continues to work towards its vision of earning the trust of its customers every day.

“I am eager to play my part in attracting a balanced and diverse membership that reflects our communities and collectively has the necessary skills and experience to carry out this important governance role.”

Glas Cymru chairman Alastair Lyons said: “Sir Paul’s extensive experience will ensure that we continue to attract and recruit talented members who can effectively oversee the work of Welsh Water – which is crucial as we prepare to enter a new five-year investment period from 2020.

“His extensive experience will help us ensure the highest standards of governance by attracting and recruiting the best talent for our membership, and I look forward to working with him in the coming years.

“I would also thank Glyn Mathias for his tireless work over the last five years, which has ensured that the membership has been excellent at holding the company to account on behalf of its customers – and to wish him well for the future.”